If there is one name that has been consistent in women’s tennis for the past 3 seasons, it is Iga Swiatek. Positioned at the top of the WTA rankings, Swiatek has established her dominance on the tour, especially on clay. By reaching the finals of the ongoing French Open, she marked her 3rd final appearance in 4 years in this prestigious tournament.

After winning Roland Garros in 2020 and 2021, the Pole will aim to clinch her 3rd title in Paris, and 4th grand slam overall. With the world still missing Rafael Nadal, the most successful champion Roland Garros has ever seen, from this year’s event, Swiatek has shared her thoughts on the impeccable legacy of the great Spaniard ahead of her title match.

Swiatek on trying to emulate the success of Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros

The 22-time grand slam champion has had a lot of influence on the life of Iga Swiatek. Swiatek has spoken about her admiration for Rafael Nadal and how she grew up idolizing the King of Clay. After a statement semifinal victory against Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, she was asked about how the French Open legacy of her idol motivated her to find success here during her post-match press conference.

On speaking about whether she wants to establish an ‘Iga Dynasty’ in Paris much like Nadal has, Iga said, “But, no, like Rafa, what he did and what he’s still doing, it’s pretty amazing. I never kind of knew that it’s gonna be possible for me. So it was totally out of my reach, if I can say that. And, you know, still he played so well so many years, I don’t know if it’s going to be possible for me.”

Swiatek defeated Haddad Maia 6-2, 7-6(7) in their semifinal encounter. She is yet to drop a single set in this year’s Roland Garros on her way to the finals. Czech Karolina Muchova will hope to be the exception when she takes on the Pole in the Roland Garros finals.

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Similarities in the journeys of Swiatek and her idol

Currently ranked number 1 in the world, Iga Swiatek has a lot of similarities with the Spanish legend. She made her presence felt on the circuit by winning her maiden grand slam at the French Open in 2020 as a 19-year-old and revealed Rafael Nadal as her role model.  Flashback to 2005, and this very same Rafael Nadal burst onto the scene by clinching his first-ever grand slam at Roland Garros as a young 19-year-old.

The rest, as they say, is history. Swiatek went on to share the stage with Nadal again in 2022, with the Spaniard winning his 22nd grand slam and Swiatek her 3rd.

It is certainly a monumental feat to even dare to emulate Rafael Nadal’s success on Court Philippe Chatrier. But it can be safely said that Swiatek is on the right track. And she has the opportunity to make the Gods (and King) of clay proud yet again during the final of Roland Garros 2023.

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